Re: safe computer co (brand comparisons)

Hi Jill,

Haven't tried these particular monitors but did just purchase a new monitorand
computer yesterday and ES considerations were a big part of the decision. Idon't trust
my trifield meter to give very meaningful info so instead I took to the store a modified
amplifier that I got from Stetzer Electric. The amplifier attaches to electrode patches worn
at the wrist and ankle. You can then literally hear the electric current passing through your
body from things that you touch or stand near. More current = louder buzzing sound. I've
tested this setup around the house and am satisfied that there is a correlation between the
volume of the buzz from the amplifier and things that trigger ES symptoms; i.e. louder
buzzing from the amplifier means a stronger ES reaction in me.

So, I wore this setup at CompUSA yesterday and touched all the computers and
monitors, comparing noise produced across makes and models. Apple laptops were
among the noisiest, both iBooks and Powerbooks. (I would have guessed that the metal
casing vs. plastic casing would make a difference but this didn't seem to be the case.)
Apple desktops on the other hand were relatively quiet. The store didn't carry PC
desktops, but I did check the PC laptops. In general the lower end laptops were noisier.
But at the high end, Toshiba laptops were noticeably noisy, regardless of model. All the
Hewlett-Packard laptop models on the other hand were dramatically quiet. Kind of made
me wish I were in the market for a PC. (I bought a Mac Mini.)

In the monitor aisles, there was lots of ambient buzzing (not surprising since the monitors
were displayed shoulder to shoulder along three parallel aisles) so it was hard
to be sure which monitor was causing what part of the noise. I got the impression, though,
that certain makes of monitor were quieter than others. I *think* the CRT monitors
were slightly noisier than the LCDs as a category, but I wouldn't swear to it now. I
think the HP LCD monitors stood out as quieter than most. I didn't buy one--the HPs were
a bit more $ than I could spend right now. (I chose a Samsung LCD, which seemed okay to
me.) I did make a mental note to look into an HP setup one day, if I ever switch platforms.

BTW, I'm not affiliated in any way with computer/monitor manufacturers or retailers. And,
so far, my new setup seems to be working out all right. I still have a slight headache as I'm
typing this, but it could be worse. I will play with the monitor settings to see if brightness/
contrast make any difference. The new computer is faster than my old dinosaur which I'm
hoping will at least mean less total time at the computer trying to get things done. One
thing I do have to remember is to check the built-in Bluetooth and wirelessnetworking
periodically. The darn things seem to come on by default and once last night came on by
themselves after I'd turned them off--instant splitting headache. I wish these
"improvements" didn't come standard with most new computers now.

If any of the electronically savvy types in the group care to explain why some
computers are electrically "noisier" than others, I'm interested. Not just laptop vs.
desktop, which has been covered here before I know, but why different *makes* of the
same type of computer (e.g. HP laptop vs Apple or Toshiba laptop) seem electrically noiser
than others.

Cara


--- In [hidden email], Jsverdlove@a... wrote:
>
> has anyone worked with the company advertised in Our Toxic TImes that offers
"safe
computers?" They're called safelevel.com
>
> just wondering if they're ok...
>
> Jill
>
>